THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NY & NJ

Press Release Article

The Port Authority expects nearly 3.5 million travelers to use its airports, bridges, tunnels, and PATH system during the extended Thanksgiving holiday weekend, from Wednesday, November 26, through Monday, November 30.

During this holiday period, more than 1.24 million passengers will travel through John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, Stewart International and LaGuardia airports.

To assist the large number of airport customers, the Port Authority is prepared to assist air travelers at its new Welcome Centers, which provide information about ground transportation, hotels, and other important information. The Port Authority also offers AirTrain service to both JFK and Newark airports. The agency recently updated signs that will make it easier for travelers to use AirTrain and to travel through the airport complexes.

Airport customers also will find new features on the Port Authority's newly re-designed, customer-friendly website at www.panynj.gov, which can be accessed at the Welcome Centers. Here, travelers can check flight status and familiarize themselves with other airport-related services.

Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia said, “Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and the Port Authority is committed to bringing them together as quickly and as safely as possible - whether they're flying, driving, or riding the rails.”

Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward said, “Thanksgiving is one of our busiest times, and we're ready to assist the millions of people who will travel on our bridges and tunnels, through our airports and on our PATH system. Our goal is to make their trip during this busy time as easy as possible.”

Airports

About 608,000 passengers will use Kennedy Airport, approximately 388,000 will use Newark Airport and nearly 243,000 are expected at LaGuardia Airport during the holiday period. More than 2,000 are anticipated at Stewart Airport.

To ease congestion outside the terminals at JFK, individuals arriving to pick up family and friends can use the airport's Cell Phone Lot, where they can wait for free to be notified about arrivals before driving to the terminals.

The Port Authority urges travelers to use AirTrain services to and from Newark and Kennedy airports when possible to help ease congestion.

AirTrain JFK connects to New York City mass transit via stations at Jamaica and Howard Beach. More information is available by calling 877-JFK-AirTrain (877-535-2478). Travelers who must drive to the airport can call 718-244-4444 for parking information or tune in to airport radio at 1630 AM for parking updates.

AirTrain Newark connects to Amtrak and NJ Transit via the Northeast Corridor line. More information is available by calling 888-EWR-INFO, which also offers Newark Airport parking information. Travelers also can tune radios to 530 AM when approaching the airport.

For LaGuardia parking information, call 718-533-3850.

More information on AirTrain and other public transportation alternatives is available by calling 800-AIR-RIDE. Airport information also is available at the newly re-designed www.panynj.gov. Air travelers should check with their airline before leaving for the airport and arrive 30 minutes earlier than recommended by the airline.

For the U.S. Transportation Security Administration's travel tips, including pointers on packing and dressing to help travelers pass through checkpoints more quickly, visit www.tsa.gov.

Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals

Approximately 3.4 million travelers are expected to use Port Authority bridges and tunnels during the holiday. No major construction projects are scheduled to take place at the George Washington Bridge, the Holland and Lincoln tunnels and the three Staten Island bridges during the holidays. For the most up-to-date information on construction, call the agency’s tunnels and bridges “Customer Connection” line at 800 221-9903 or visit the Port Authority’s Web site, www.panynj.gov.

At the Port Authority Bus Terminal, passenger traffic is expected to be heavier than normal, so customers are urged to allow extra travel time.

PATH

About 420,000 riders are expected to use PATH from November 27 through November 30. PATH will operate on a holiday/Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day.

CONTACT:

The Port Authority of New York and New JerseySteve Coleman or Spencer Schrage212 435-7777

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey operates many of the busiest and most important transportation links in the region. They include John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, Stewart International and Teterboro airports; AirTrain JFK and AirTrain Newark; the George Washington Bridge and Bus Station; the Lincoln and Holland tunnels; the three bridges between Staten Island and New Jersey; the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) rapid-transit system; Port Newark; the Elizabeth-Port Authority Marine Terminal; the Howland Hook Marine Terminal on Staten Island; the Brooklyn Piers/Red Hook Container Terminal; and the Port Authority Bus Terminal in midtown Manhattan. The agency also owns the 16-acre World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan.